The table on the next page shows some data. Study the data and try to find out examples appropriate for the conditions given in the second and third columns. If you think that an example for any of the conditions given below is not possible, explain why.
Does it grow? No. Does it respire? No.
Example: Stone, pencil, chair, book. These are non-living things that neither grow nor respire.
Does it grow? No. Does it respire? Yes.
Not possible. All living beings that respire also grow. Respiration provides energy needed for growth and life processes.
Does it grow? Yes. Does it respire? No.
Not possible. Growth requires energy which comes from respiration. Without respiration, no organism can grow.
Does it grow? Yes. Does it respire? Yes.
Example: Plants (bean plant, mango tree), Animals (dog, cat, human, mosquito, frog). All living beings show both growth and respiration.
Explanation
(1) Non-living things do not show any characteristics of life such as growth, respiration, movement, or reproduction. (2) The chapter states that all living beings respire and all living beings grow. These are interconnected characteristics - one cannot exist without the other in living organisms. (3) The chapter explains that respiration is essential for life. Growth requires energy from respiration, so any organism that grows must respire. (4) The chapter confirms that all living beings grow and respire. These are essential characteristics shared by all living organisms.